Keys to the Castle - Day 16

Song - La Vie en Rose by Josephine Baker

The sleepy little town of Beynac

Hit the road early today to head over to the little town of Beynac-et-Cazenac.  We are heading to Richard the Lionheart's Castle!

We arrived before the castle was open so we had breakfast across the courtyard right after Mr. B pays for parking.

Let's head inside......

 Luckily our French guide had the keys to the castle!

But you had to leave your sword at the table and your crossbow was hoisted up on the ceiling.

The chapel on the grounds is high above the Dordogne River and the views were incredible.

When I see stone stairs this well worn, I think of all of the people who have walked them in the thousand years since this place was built.......what their lives were like......what they ate.......what were their beliefs.....happy?

From the fortress we look down on the rooftops of the town, the chapel and the river. Our tour guy was so animated and passionate about the castle that even though we could only understand a few words, he was great fun to watch! He made us walk up and down too many stairs and because of that.........

We stole his keys and locked him in the dungeon!!!

Next we head across the river to Castelnauld but decided we would both rather go to Josephine Baker's home - Chateau des Milandes. Admission to the estate includes headphones in English for your self guided tour.  The history of the flamboyant jazz singer is covered as well as her personal life.  First married at the age of 13, she went on to marry several more times while adopting 12 children from all over the world.

Unfortunately once inside I was not allowed to take any more photos but they did have many of her costumes well displayed including her famous banana skirt!

  Next stop is La Roque-Gageac for lunch along the river and "glaces" while strolling.

 We were headed up to this little chapel but because it was so hot out I asked Mr. B to see if he could find a road to drive us up there.

 

There was a parking spot right next to the building and just a walk past a cool fountain dripping off the hillside & through a rose covered arbor and we had arrived!

I have never seen Mr. B go to so many churches except when we travel! 

Heading back to Sarlat we stopped at a clothing store to purchase Mr. B some shorts and a cooler shirt.  He wasn't planning on it being so warm here. After a quick swim we walked through the town and did some shopping before dinner. I purchased a French nut cracker at a little shop.

Le Badaud Sculpture by Gerard Auliac

 We had drinks outside at Le Madeline then found the famous Goose statue as well as the sculpture Le Badaud "The Onlooker" because he watches out over the square.

And dinner was in a small courtyard at L'Entrepote!  Yummmm!!

Another fine meal in the beautiful village of Sarlat.

Tomorrow will be a long drive to Avignon.....

"Travel makes one modest, 

you see what a tiny place you occupy in the world."

--Gustave Flaubert